Kingsbarns Golf Links
A spectacular modern links draped along the Fife coast that plays like it has been there for centuries — fully public, pay-and-play, and a European Tour co-host.
Kingsbarns Golf Links in photos
Can I play Kingsbarns Golf Links?
Yes — Kingsbarns is a pure pay-and-play links with no membership, so any visitor can book a tee time. It is one of the most sought-after modern links in the world and a regular Alfred Dunhill Links Championship venue, so peak dates fill early. Advance booking is strongly recommended to guarantee your round.
How to book: Book directly through the reservations page on the official Kingsbarns website, or by phone/email with the reservations team; a deposit secures the tee time. The course is closed each winter (roughly November to late March) and blocks out dates for the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, so plan around the published schedule. Caddies and buggies can be reserved when you book.
About Kingsbarns Golf Links
Opened in 2000 and designed by Kyle Phillips with developer Mark Parsinen, Kingsbarns is a modern masterpiece built to feel ancient, its fairways and greens sculpted so convincingly that most first-timers assume it is a century-old links. Every hole reveals a view of the sea, and the routing weaves along nearly two miles of North Sea shoreline with cliff-edge greens, a beach-carry par three and rolling, multi-tiered putting surfaces. Crucially, it has no members and operates purely as pay-and-play, so any visitor can book — and each year it co-hosts the star-studded Alfred Dunhill Links Championship alongside the Old Course and Carnoustie. Seven miles from St Andrews, it is a must-play on any Fife golf itinerary.
Signature hole
The par-3 15th plays across a sandy beach and inlet to a green perched above the North Sea, while the sweeping par-5 12th runs along the shoreline — both epitomise the course's cliff-and-cove drama.
What makes it special
Modern links, ancient feel
Kyle Phillips shaped the land so masterfully that Kingsbarns plays like a centuries-old links despite opening in 2000.
A view of the sea from every hole
The routing hugs almost two miles of North Sea coast, with cliff-top greens and a par three carried across the beach.
Pay-and-play with a Tour pedigree
No membership required, yet it co-hosts the European Tour's Alfred Dunhill Links Championship each autumn.
Tournament pedigree
- Alfred Dunhill Links Championship (co-host, annually since 2001)
- Ricoh Women's British Open (2017)
- Jacques Léglise Trophy
Need to know
Best time to play
Late April to October, when the course is open and the turf firmest; the Dunhill Links period in late September/early October brings closures, so check the calendar before booking.
Dress code
Smart golf attire — collared or approved golf shirts and tailored trousers or shorts; no denim or gym wear. Neat clothing in the clubhouse.
Good to know
A walking links with an outstanding caddie programme; buggies are available and trolleys permitted. Allow about four-and-a-half hours, take a caddie if you can to read the deceptive greens, and dress for exposed North Sea wind.
Upcoming golf tournaments
Prefer to watch the world’s best? Book tickets to an upcoming tournament, then add a hotel and flights.
Getting there
Nearest airports
Edinburgh (EDI) ~1 hour 30 minutes by car; Dundee (DND) ~40 minutes as a closer secondary option.
On arrival
Kingsbarns sits about seven miles south-east of St Andrews on the Fife coast; from Edinburgh cross the Forth and follow the M90/A91 to St Andrews, then the A917 coast road to the links. A hire car is easiest, and most visitors combine the round with a St Andrews stay.
Stay near the course
St Andrews, just fifteen minutes away, is the natural base with its full range of hotels, from the Old Course Hotel to guesthouses in town. Some golfers stay in Crail or elsewhere along the East Neuk of Fife for a quieter coastal setting.
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Fairmont St Andrews Hotel
St. Andrews
★★★★★ 5-starTap for live prices Kinnettles Hotel and Spa
St. Andrews
A taste of the luxury stays near Kingsbarns Golf Links — tap any hotel to see live availability and prices for your dates, or search them all.
Plan your golf trip
Hotels near the course
Live-priced stays a short drive from the 1st tee.
Search hotelsFlights
Get to Kingsbarns — search fares to the nearest airport.
Find flightsTournament tickets
Rather watch the pros? Book golf tournament tickets.
See golf ticketsThings to do
Tours and experiences around Kingsbarns.
Explore KingsbarnsFrequently asked questions
Can anyone play Kingsbarns?
Yes. Kingsbarns is a pay-and-play links with no members, so any visitor can book a tee time directly through the club.
How much does it cost to play Kingsbarns?
Guide green fees are around £486 per round in peak season and about £399 in the spring shoulder, with a discounted replay within seven days. Prices are approximate, seasonal, and exclude caddies and buggies.
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible — Kingsbarns is one of the most in-demand links in the world, and it closes in winter and blocks out the Dunhill Links dates each autumn.
Do I need a handicap?
No handicap certificate is required, but it is a championship links, so competent, reasonably paced play is expected.
More golf courses to play
St Andrews — Old Course
St Andrews, Scotland · Links
Golf guide
Carnoustie Golf Links — Championship Course
Carnoustie, Scotland · Links
Golf guide
Trump Turnberry — Ailsa Course
Turnberry, Scotland · Links
Golf guide
Royal Dornoch Golf Club (Championship Course)
Dornoch, Scotland · Links
Golf guide
North Berwick Golf Club (West Links)
North Berwick, Scotland · Links
Golf guide
Cruden Bay Golf Club (Championship Course)
Cruden Bay, Scotland · Links
Golf guideSources & pricing note
Green fees, access rules and tee-time policies change frequently and vary by season. The figures here are indicative for trip planning — always confirm on the official site before booking.
- Kingsbarns Golf Links — Reservations
- Kingsbarns Golf Links — Wikipedia
- Kingsbarns Golf Links review — UK Golf Guy
Guide updated 2026-07-27.